Is Science Dangerous.ppt

Is Science Dangerous? Paragraph 15--17 par.15 Are there areas of research that are so socially sensitive that they should be avoided, even proscribed(prohibited or forbidded)? The sale of narcotics is proscribed by law. 法律禁止贩卖毒品。 One possible area is the genetic basis of intelligence, and particularly the possible link between race and intelligence. 有些研究领域对社会如此敏感，以致它们是否应该避免，甚至被禁止呢？ 智力与基因的基本关系的研究，尤其是种族与智力关系的研究属于这类领域。 15 Are there, as the literary critic George Steiner has argued, “certain orders of truth which would infect the marrow of politics and would poison beyond all cure the already tense relations between social classes and these communities?” Particular types of truth which would undermine political life and damage beyond repair the already uneasy and tense relations between different classes and communities? 某些真理可能会重挫政府支柱，而且会激化原本已经十分紧张的社会阶级和这些团体之间的矛盾。 Marrow: 1. the soft fatty substance in the holow center of bones; 骨髓； e.g. It was so cold that he felt frozen to the marrow. 天气太冷了，他感到寒冷刺骨。 2. the inmost or essential part; 精华； e.g. This is the meaning and marrow of existence. 15 In short, are there doors in front of current research that should be marked “Too dangerous to open”? 危险勿动 15 par.16 I realize the dangers, but I cherish the openness of scientific investigation too much to put up such a notice（mark）. cherish: 1.hold dear;珍视 2. treat with affection and tenderness I cherish the many memories I have of my beloved mother. I stand by the distinction between knowledge of the world and how it is used. Stand by :1. try to help or support;支持 Please stand by me in my hour of need. 2. keep or maintain 维持 Once you make a promise, you shoud stand by it. 16 So I must answer Steiner’s question in the negative, provided of course that scientists fulfill their social obligations. provided: 假如，只要 I shall be pleased to enroll in your graduate School?provided?that my request for financial support is accepted . 如